Uncle Tom’s Cabin

“Treat ’em like dogs, and you’ll have dogs’ works and dogs’ actions. Treat ’ em like men, and you’ ll have men’ s works.” American writer Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin (or Life Among the Lowly) was serialised from 1851 to 1852 and published in book form in 1852. 300,000 copies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin were sold in the United States during the year after its publication. This abolitionist novel, which takes an indepth look at slavery, was very well received by readers in the northern part of the United States. The story revolves around Uncle Tom, a slave. While being transported to an auction in New Orleans, Tom saves Little Eva’s life. Eva’s father buys Tom to express his thanks and Eva and Tom become good friends. When Eva’s health declines, she requests her father to free his slaves. He agrees to do so, but is killed before he can fulfill his promise. Tom is sold to a merciless new owner, and his life takes a dark turn. Tom remains a stoic figure throughout and puts up a brave front as he faces many trials and tribulations.